Archival Research • NURBS Modeling • Production Drawing • Circuit Diagramming • Keyshot Lighting and Animations • Art Direction
Exploration
Preliminary Sketches
While identifying what pieces would accurately represent Harley Davidson from 1948 to 1969, I realized that if there was to be a fully-functional prototype the design process would have to be abridged to ensure all finish plating and wiring could take place within the span of a single semester. Understanding these considerations would have to be made, I chose a rear light rack to be my prototyped piece because it was a stronger piece from which to learn design for manufacture. Interestingly, the rear light rack’s origins are somewhat unknown because it was originally an aftermarket part released in the mid-to-late 60’s that, due to its popularity, Harley began producing in 1979. The other would be a rear bumper called a “cheese grater” which was produced by Harley Davidson starting in 1958.
Light Rack
Cheese Grater
CAD Primitives
In order to think in proportion to the rear-end of a 2023 Harley Davidson Highway King, I transitioned to CAD. I focused on proportion and position for this phase.
Fitment Testing and Sketches Models
Designing around a CAD model and a real motorcycle are two separate endeavors all together. By having access to my father’s 2019 Harley Davidson Road King, I was able to test the scale and fitment of my CAD models against a real motorcycle.
Light Rack Bracket B
Light Rack Bracket B
Fender Profile Measurement
Tracing Profile for CAD Duplication
Sketch Model Scale Check
Sketch Model Fitment Check
Design for Manufacture
In previous projects I have only had the time to create appearance models that do not reflect the full materiality and functional characteristics of the final concepts. With my capstone, I am afforded the time to follow through with a fully functional prototype. Through this process, the goal was to find a balance between design aesthetic and manufacturing feasibility/cost.
Credits: Chris Ripstein, Archivist-Vehicle Collections at Harley Davidson Archives; Prism Supply